Since first offering Young People's Concerts in 1947, the Santa Rosa Symphony has been dedicated to music education, whether it's fostering a lifetime love and appreciation of music or preparing the musicians of the future. We offer numerous programs under two primary categories: Training Young Musicians and Music for Our Schools. Training Young Musicians programs provide orchestral training and performance opportunities in the context of learning responsibility, teamwork and service to the community. The program includes a three-week summer session and five levels of youth ensembles. Music for Our Schools programs offer over 15,000 Sonoma County students opportunities to experience classical music in a variety of ways.
"I love playing in the orchestra. I love the feeling when everything clicks together, bows are rising in unison, notes are ringing as one, harmonies are locking together. What was once this clunky mass of awkward teenage limbs and fingers suddenly transforms into this majestic being far greater than the mere sum of its parts." (Suzi Li, violinist, BAYOF Hope Youth Orchestra blog, 2011).
TRAINING YOUNG MUSICIANS
The Santa Rosa Symphony's Youth Ensembles are comprised of students from elementary through college level, offering in-depth study of selected orchestral literature under the direction of professional conductors, coaching by outstanding professional musicians of the Santa Rosa Symphony, and public performances throughout the year.
These educationally valuable musical experiences motivate students to fulfill their potential and strive for excellence, and they promote appreciation of the performing arts in the community and further the tradition of concert music.
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MUSIC FOR OUR SCHOOLS
The Santa Rosa Symphony is committed to providing quality educational experiences for the next generation. A variety of programs are offered for students in local schools, including Free Concerts for Youth field trips, a daily classical music listening program, free tickets to the Discovery open rehearsal series, instrument petting zoos, and more!
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COMMUNITY, ENGAGEMENT AND RESOURCES
A number of unique educational endeavors have gained the SRS national recognition for excellence in community engagement. SRS youth ensembles appear throughout the community in a variety of venues, including parks, churches, retirement and assisted-living homes, and we now offer adults many opportunities to learn to play string instruments alongside young musicians.
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